Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage are perfect for a quick and easy low-carb summer dinner! These flavorful kabobs are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a simple weeknight meal, these kabobs will impress your family and friends. With juicy sausage and fresh zucchini grilled to perfection, they stand out for their ease of preparation and vibrant taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: These kabobs come together in just 10 minutes of prep time, making them ideal for busy evenings.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use your favorite vegetables alongside the sausage to customize each kabob to your liking.
• Low-Carb Option: Perfect for those following a low-carb diet, these kabobs are filling without the extra carbs.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings, everyone will love the mix of flavors and grilled goodness.
• Easy Cleanup: With minimal dishes needed, you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of extensive cleanup.

Tools and Preparation

To make Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment not only speeds up the cooking process but also improves the overall outcome of your dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers
• Grill or broiler
• Ziploc bags
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: These help hold all ingredients together while grilling, ensuring an even cook.
• Grill or broiler: Provides high heat necessary for achieving that perfect char on the kabobs.
• Cutting board: Protects your counters while making food prep safe and efficient.

Ingredients

For the Kabobs

• 16 oz. package pre-cooked sausages (see notes)
• 4 small zucchini
• 2 red bell peppers (optional)
• 1 small red onion (optional)
• 1/4 cup Newman’s Own Classic Oil and Vinegar Dressing (see notes)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Cut zucchini and any other vegetables you’re using into same-size pieces.
2. Ensure you cut some flat edges on the zucchini pieces, making them slightly smaller than the sausage chunks.

Step 2: Marinate the Vegetables

1. Place cut vegetables into a Ziploc bag.
2. Pour in enough Italian dressing to moisten all vegetables.
3. Let vegetables marinate for about an hour or longer if desired. If marinating longer than an hour, refrigerate.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

1. Brush grill grates with olive oil or spray with non-stick spray.
2. Preheat grill or broiler to medium heat; it’s ready when you can hold your hand there for about three seconds.

Step 4: Prepare the Sausage

1. Cut sausages into chunks, approximately five pieces per sausage.

Step 5: Assemble the Kabobs

1. Drain marinated vegetables if necessary.
2. Thread sausage chunks and vegetables onto skewers in an alternating pattern.
3. Ensure to put skewers through the skin of both sausage and veggies to prevent spinning.

Step 6: Grill the Kabobs

1. Optionally brush kabobs with Italian Salad Dressing if you didn’t marinate them.
2. Grill kabobs over medium heat, turning frequently until sausage is browned and zucchini is barely tender—about 15 minutes.

Step 7: Serve Hot

1. Once cooked, remove from grill and serve hot with fresh parsley garnish if desired.

Enjoy your Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage as a delightful addition to any meal!

How to Serve Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage are not just delicious but also versatile. Here are some serving ideas that will complement the flavors of this dish and enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Greek Salad – A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Perfect for a light side.
• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing adds a classic touch to your kabobs.
• Coleslaw – Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast to the tender kabobs.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

• Garlic Aioli – This creamy garlic sauce enhances the flavors and adds richness.
• Chimichurri Sauce – A vibrant herbal sauce that offers a zesty kick to your kabobs.
• BBQ Sauce – Classic barbecue sauce is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with sausage.

Enjoy with Grains

• Quinoa Salad – A protein-rich side that adds texture and complements the kabobs.
• Couscous – Light and fluffy, it absorbs the flavors of the kabobs beautifully.
• Rice Pilaf – Flavored rice adds an aromatic base for your meal.

How to Perfect Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

To ensure your Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly Cut Vegetables Evenly – Ensuring all pieces are similar in size helps them cook evenly on the grill.
• Boldly Marinate Longer for Flavor – Allowing vegetables to marinate longer intensifies their taste; try overnight if possible.
• Boldly Use Skewers Wisely – Alternate sausage and veggies on skewers for balanced cooking. Thread through the skin for stability.
• Boldly Preheat Your Grill – A hot grill ensures nice sear marks and prevents sticking. Aim for medium heat before grilling.
• Boldly Turn Kabobs Regularly – To achieve even cooking, turn kabobs frequently while grilling to avoid burning on one side.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

To enhance your meal featuring Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage, consider these delicious side dishes that pair well together.

1. Garlic Bread – Crunchy and buttery bread that complements the savory flavors of the kabobs.
2. Baked Potatoes – Fluffy potatoes provide a filling option alongside the light kabobs.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn grilled to perfection adds a nice charred flavor that matches well.
4. Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasonal veggies roasted until tender makes for a colorful addition.
5. Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad offers a refreshing contrast to warm kabobs while adding heartiness.
6. Fruit Salad – Fresh fruits add sweetness and balance; consider using seasonal fruits for best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not Cutting Vegetables Evenly: If the zucchini and other veggies are not cut into similar sizes, they will cook unevenly. Make sure all pieces are roughly the same size for consistent grilling.

• Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate the vegetables can lead to bland kabobs. A good marinade enhances flavor, so take the time to soak your veggies in Italian dressing before grilling.

• Overcrowding Skewers: If you pack too many ingredients onto a skewer, they won’t cook properly. Leave a little space between each piece for even heat distribution.

• Grilling at Too High Heat: Cooking kabobs over high heat can cause burning on the outside while leaving the insides undercooked. Medium heat is best for achieving that perfect balance.

• Not Using Flat Edges: When threading ingredients onto skewers, using flat edges helps them stay in place and ensures better grill marks. Always position your chunks with flat sides facing outward.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure they cool down to room temperature before sealing.

Freezing Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

• Place kabobs in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Label the container with the date for future reference.

Reheating Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place kabobs on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes until warm.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté kabobs until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Make Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage?

To make these delicious kabobs, simply cut zucchini and sausages into chunks, marinate your veggies, thread everything onto skewers, and grill until cooked perfectly.

Can I Use Different Vegetables in My Kabobs?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. The versatility of this recipe allows you to use whatever veggies you have on hand.

How Long Should I Marinate the Vegetables for Easy Kabobs?

Marinating the vegetables for at least one hour is recommended. However, if you have more time, letting them soak all day will enhance their flavor even further.

Can I Prepare Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can cut your vegetables and sausages ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and grill.

Final Thoughts

Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage are not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor that everyone will love. This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting seasonings according to your taste! Give this delicious dish a try—you’ll be happy you did!